A Trip to the Gulf – Part 4

Picking up where we left of, we had just left the drive around Shoveler Pond and were beginning our trek deeper into Anahuac to see what else was there. In short order we left pavement and entered a dirt/gravel road. There were ditches on both sides of the road and every so often we could catch the sight of more gators. They seem to be everywhere in this place.

We also spotted this along the road, perched upon a fence post–a Common Nighthawk.

Photo by Michael Hampton

We drove all the way to the end of the road and saw a lot of people and families fishing in the various ditches and eventually the bay area at the south end of the reserve.

Along the way we spotted this Willet standing guard on a post. It was still there on our way back so I stopped and made a photo.

Photo by Michael Hampton

On our way back we stopped at a board walk where we saw some cows and this White Ibis taking off.

Photo by Michael Hampton

A little further down the road and we notice another guy pulled to the side of the road and getting low to the ground with a camera. Of course we had to stop and check it out.

I got out of the car with the 600mm and got down low to see what he was watching…

Photo by Karen Hampton

Hand-holding this thing is certainly not for extended periods of time, but I was able to manage it long enough to get this fairly close shot of this guy…

Photo by Michael Hampton

This was probably the closest that I got to one of these gators. He seemed content to stay in his little pool and showed no interest in coming after me. Good thing, because being on the ground with the 600mm lens, it might have taken me longer to get up and run that it would take him to close the distance between us. And in the short sprint, these guys are pretty quick. This is one of those instances where Karen had order to “get the shot” if it did come after me. LOL

In all actuality though, from what I’ve read, in the past 100+ years there has only been one fatal alligator attack recorded in Texas and that was due to a drunken “hey watch this” moment so I felt pretty safe.

The day was starting to wear on so we decided to take a few last circles around the pond area before heading back to the hotel and packing up.

This time around we spotted a White-faced Ibis foraging for food and showing off its wings.

Photo by Michael Hampton
Photo by Michael Hampton

I caught the Black-necked Stilt in flight…

Photo by Michael Hampton

And a Boat-tailed Grackle belting out the song of its people.

Photo by Michael Hampton

Now, everyone knows that Killdeer like to play wounded in order to draw threats away from its young, but I noticed this one just sitting right next the the road. I slowed to a stop as I approached because I didn’t want it to dart out in front of me. But when I stopped and looked out the window I saw this…

Photo by Michael Hampton

This crazy bird had built its nest about a foot from the side of the road. If you look close you will see at least 3 eggs under it. I moved away slowly as to not disturb the nesting nut.

A little further down the road we came across this Green Heron, hunting for food.

Photo by Karen Hampton

And I was able to catch this Glossy Ibis in flight against a cloud which I was pretty happy about.

Photo by Michael Hampton

A Red-winged Blackbird doing gymnastics…

Photo by Michael Hampton

And the immature Blue Heron with dinner.

Photo by Michael Hampton

As we were about to complete our final trip around the pond, we noticed a much smaller gator who had climbed up on the bank to enjoy the sun. This one was so cute I just wanted to go pet it… but I didn’t (duh!). But I did get out of the car to be a low and better angle for the shot.

Photo by Michael Hampton

All in all it was a fun two day get-away for us. We “social-distanced” with the best of them. We spent most of the time in the vehicle, shooting out the windows, and saw a lot of wildlife. I didn’t realize it until I started going through the photos, but there is a pretty wide variety of different birds here. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the gators and forget that fact.

We are really looking forward to this current societal crisis to be done and get back to normal so we can continue living our lives.

Until next time, enjoy life!

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses

A Trip to the Gulf – Part 3

Day 2: We decide to pick up where we left off yesterday and head back to Anahuac first thing in the morning to see if there are any different critters. We are also excited to check out the butterfly garden and trail at the entrance. I realize it is late in the year, but you never know what migratory birds are still hanging around. Not everyone is in a hurry to leave once they get to Texas.

Before we get to Anahuac’s main area, we stop at one of the annex areas which was on the way as there are supposed to be a few trails there. When we pull into the parking area and get out, I notice this ominous site in the trees. Were these Turkey Vultures trying to warn us about something?

Photo by Michael Hampton

We head into the trail after once again “Offing” ourselves. We don’t get far before we are getting swarmed by the same flying critters that were attacking us yesterday. We are farther away from the water, but they are still just as vicious. Was this the warning we failed to heed?

We head back for the car and drive to the entrance of the main Anahuac area where there is a butterfly garden and another trail. We exit the vehicle and begin walking the trail, only to be attacked by these flying demons again! I “document” photo one on Karen’s hat before we turned and ran in hopes we could ID this thing later. Any ideas on what it is? Whatever they are, they bite/sting and make for a miserable walk in the woods. And kudos for Karen standing still long enough for me to take the shot while these things were swarming us both.

Photo by Michael Hampton

We did see one small critter on the trail before we sounded retreat–a small bunny. At least it made us smile.

Photo by Karen Hampton

Back to the car to follow the motorized trail through the park again.

Once back on the drivable path, Karen spots this bird in the tall grass. At first, I thought it was an Eastern Kingbird, but the more I look at it, I think it is an Eastern Phoebe. What do you think?

Photo by Karen Hampton

Next stop, we ventured out onto a boardwalk/observation deck that they have set up there. It is a nice way to get out among the critters a little farther away from the roadway. However, Karen observed this site.

Photo by Karen Hampton

Upon seeing this photo, I had to hang my head and declare that Karen has been right all these years…I have no butt. And my pockets are nearly down to my knees! Maybe I should rethink the wearing of the “relaxed fit” jeans. But then again, at my age, comfort is a much higher priority that it once was.

While on the boardwalk, we were able to see several Black-bellied Whistling Ducks which were perched on the railing.

Photo by Michael Hampton

We also saw a Black-necked Stilt wading in the water looking for some breakfast.

Photo by Michael Hampton

And finally, as we were walking back to the vehicle, there was a Great Egret incoming for a landing.

Photo by Michael Hampton

Back on the trail, our attention turned to gators once again.

There’s one!

Photo by Michael Hampton

And another!

Photo by Michael Hampton

And another!

Photo by Michael Hampton

This one looks like it is smiling at me. Maybe it’s time to leave them alone for a while. We decide to take the road to the back side of Anahuac to see what else is in this preserve. As we are leaving the “Shoveler Pond” area, I notice this Neotropic Cormorant making with the bat-signal. There must be trouble nearby! And me without my cape. Even superheroes need vacations now and then.

Photo by Michael Hampton

We make our way to the exit of the pond area and head deeper into the area, but that will have to wait for part 4 as this is already getting long-winded.

Until then,

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses

A Trip to the Gulf – Part 2

After a somewhat disappointing morning, aside from the Smith Oaks Rookery visit, a quick lunch, and ferry ride, we were making our way back to the Anahuac Wildlife Refuge. With neither of us having been there before we were not sure what to expect. I did know that several people had recommended this place to us and I know of a lot of photographers who visit here quite often.

On our way there Karen tells me to “STOP!”, so I do. After backing up she points out this calf standing in an old cement culvert, apparently looking for shade. She’s a sucker for cute looking animals doing strange things.

Photo by Karen Hampton

We are only a couple of miles from Anahuac at this point. We arrive and find that there is a short hiking path at the entrance. We get out to check it out and we are swarmed with those flying critters once again and head back to the car. I’ve got to figure out what these things are!

We resign ourselves to staying in the car here, which is fine because the main area is a drive-thru trail that covers the most popular area. As we enter the area, I see a little bandit crossing the road. I only get a brief shot of it as it scampers into the grass.

Photo by Michael Hampton

A little further down the road and Karen catches this sight…

Photo by Karen Hampton

By this time we are wondering if there are any alligators here, and sure enough, we see two eyes peaking up out of the water as we drive by!

Photo by Michael Hampton

This day is finally starting to turn around and we really start keeping our eyes peeled looking for anything that moves.

I finally get a decent shot of a Red-winged Blackbird…

Photo by Michael Hampton

Only to be outdone by Karen getting one in a more natural habitat…

Photo by Karen Hampton

Karen gets a gator that has come up out of the water…

Photo by Karen Hampton

And I get an immature White Ibis…

Photo by Michael Hampton

and a beautiful Snowy Egret hiding behind a leaf.

Photo by Michael Hampton

I love the look of a gator in the muck. It looks so primitive.

Photo by Michael Hampton

As the sun starts to lower in the sky I spot a silhouetted Ibis…

Photo by Michael Hampton

and a Great Egret, backlit with the wind blowing through its feathers.

Photo by Michael Hampton

As we are making our last loop around the “swamp”, I get a few more gator shots for which I actually got out of the car to get lower.

Photo by Michael Hampton

Remember, I do have a 600mm lens so I’m not so close as to be in any “real” danger, although these guys can move pretty quick for short distances.

Photo by Michael Hampton
Photo by Michael Hampton
Photo by Michael Hampton

At this point, it was time to go as they were going to be locking the gates soon. But we decided that this was a place we would come back to again tomorrow to see what else it had to offer. (Hint: more birds and gators)

Back to the hotel, and since it was Friday night, order pizza (as is our custom), download and backup pics, and shower for the night. Tomorrow is another day!

Until Then,

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses